Use of third-party platforms like Amazon, eBay and Google has dropped amongst the UK’s top 250 retailers, according to an industry report.

Visualsoft’s annual retail performance index found that just 36 per cent of retailers utilise marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay as part of their sales activity – a drop from 39 per cent in 2017.

This is despite latest figures showing the value of such platforms. The e-commerce and digital agency cited that for example, 45 per cent of consumers are more likely to go first to Amazon when looking for an item than anywhere else.

The analysis also showed that just 28 per cent of the UK’s top 250 retailers are taking full advantage of the benefits offered by Google Shopping – a three per cent drop since last year.

Chris Fletcher, head of onboarding at Visualsoft, explained that the retail market is becoming increasingly fragmented, with an ever-growing range of channels through which shoppers can begin, continue and end their purchasing journey.

“Worryingly, the figures have slumped slightly across key metrics – most of which were already underperforming,” he continued. “Many leading brands are therefore swimming against the tide of consumer behaviour and missing out on growth opportunities as a result.

“Brands that fall outside of the top 250 should therefore be jumping at the chance to make the most of this channel and the sales boost it can provide,” Fletcher added.

Share Story: